Category - lesbian and gay

Evangelical Christians have been deeply immersed in the anti-gay problem, says Simon Barrow. But as they re-read the biblical message in the light of its living centre, Jesus Christ, they can be part of a historic change.

The USA's premium cable channel has expressed regret for not broadcasting an invocation by openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson for the televised Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.

An Anglican deacon who steps down during 2008 after three decades leading the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, believes that if the Anglican communion separates over homosexuality the onus will fall upon "those who walked away".

Two senior black United Methodist clergy in the USA, also longtime civil-rights advocates, say there are parallels between the struggles of blacks in the 1960s and those of gays and lesbians working for full inclusion in the church today.

There would seem to be a contradiction in Bishop of Liverpool James Jones speaking up bravely for lesbian and gay people pastorally in a new book, and then defending the very privilege which enables his church to discriminate against them in law.

Two evangelical Anglican bishops have come out with contrasting statements on homosexuality recently, points out Mark Vernon. One recognises that the issue is about love, the other sees only rules, it seems.